Welcome Remarks - NI HKG

I am delighted to welcome you to the Nautical Institute

Kong Branch biennial seminar on Marine Spatial Planning.

This subject will become an increasingly important issue for the

shipping sector over the next few years.

Maritime professionals need to engage with others users of

ocean space from both a seagoing and shore perspective, and

to take part in international, regional and local MSP debates, to

ensure that the needs of all sectors are taken into full

consideration.

The authors of the excellent papers are amongst the most

experienced, respected and eloquent individuals in their field.

The Nautical Institute extends a very warm thank you to all of

them for taking the time to join us today and for their generosity

in sharing their knowledge with us.

It is hoped that participants of today's seminar will find it to be a

useful source of information which they can share with their

colleagues and use as a basis for discussion within the industry.

Amongst the objectives of the Nautical Institute are the

promotion and coordination of international maritime knowledge,

and the promotion and establishment of high professional

standards. There is no doubt that this event will contribute to

those objectives.

I must also thank our sponsors, whose generous support allows

us to hold a high quality seminar at a very affordable price, and

in such a magnificent venue.

I believe you will find this to be a interesting and informative

day, and I am honored to welcome you all on behalf of the

Hong Kong Branch committee.